Most of us know that we’re supposed to visit our dentist every six months for a regular checkup and cleaning. But how often are we supposed to get Dental x-rays? Do all patients really need them? And why are they important in the first place? Read on to get the answers.

The Importance of Dental Imaging

During a regular dental checkup, your dentist and hygienist will examine your teeth and check for signs of damage and/or oral disease. However, dental professionals can only see the surface areas inside the mouth. X-rays are used to check the important areas beneath the surface. This includes the deeper areas of your teeth, including the roots, as well as your jaws and the surrounding bones.

How Often Do You Need Dental X-Rays?

For most healthy adults and children, dental x-rays are recommended every 1-3 years. These images only take a few minutes and are typically taken during a patient’s regular exam. Your dentist will then add your scans to your patient file so they can be easily compared to past and future scans, allowing your dentist to quickly see any changes in your mouth over time.

Who Needs Scans More Frequently?

How often you need x-rays will depend on your personal history. Some patients might need more scans than others. For instance, people who have a history of tooth decay might need more frequent imaging to ensure the problem is under control. Extra imagining might also be ordered before oral surgery, such as a wisdom tooth removal.

A Part of Your Overall Oral Care Routine

Regular x-rays are important for your dental health. However, they are just one part of a good oral care routine. Make sure you are visiting your dentist every six months, whether you need imaging or not. Also, be sure to practice good home care to keep your teeth healthy in between dental visits.

Are You Overdue For a Dental X-Ray?

We know that it can be hard to find the time to visit the dentist. At Noble Smile, we make the process as easy as possible. We offer a variety of services for the whole family- right from our convenient Katy office. Click the link above to schedule your appointment online.

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